Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, has stressed the need for unity, clarity, and bold decision-making among progressive European leaders in the face of growing geopolitical challenges.
During a panel titled “Where Europe Ends: Vision and Pragmatism in Times of Geopolitical Turmoil,” Kurti stated that the Western Balkans should not be treated as Europe’s periphery, but as an integral part of the continent, highlighting the region’s historical, cultural, and political ties with Europe.
He emphasized that EU membership is more than an aspiration for Kosovo and the region, describing it as a necessity for strengthening democracy, economic development, and long-term security.
“As the Prime Minister of a Western Balkan country such as the Republic of Kosovo, I expressed the belief that our region should not be seen as the periphery of Europe, but as an integral part of it, historically, culturally, and politically. Membership in the European Union is not only an aspiration, but a necessity for stronger democracy, economic development, and long-term security for the entire region and the continent itself,” Kurti said.
Kurti also warned that delays in the European integration process create space for external influence and geopolitical risks, calling for a faster and more decisive approach to EU enlargement.
In his speech, he added that Europe is not only a geographical space but a project of values that extends from the Western Balkans to the front lines of solidarity in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, where democratic principles are being defended.
